12 Transport Leaders Helping Shape Brisbane in 2026

Last updated: August 2026

Brisbane's transport system is a leadership story as much as an infrastructure story. Every bus route, rail upgrade, airport connection, port movement and road decision depends on people who can hold several public needs at once. They need to think beyond a single project, work across organisational boundaries and keep the everyday experience of customers, freight operators and communities in view.

This list brings together 12 current leaders with a clear connection to the way people and goods move through Brisbane. It includes public servants, city executives, railway leaders, project delivery specialists, airport and port executives, an airline leader and an industry association chief executive. The group is intentionally broad because Brisbane's transport future will not be shaped by one organisation working alone.

The list is not a ranking. It is a practical starting point for understanding the different leadership seats around the transport system. Some people lead major networks. Some lead the projects that add capacity. Others represent the operators and industries that make the system useful every day. Together, they show why transport leadership requires both long-range thinking and dependable execution.

It is also worth remembering that transport is experienced locally. A passenger may notice a timetable, a platform, a crossing or a missed connection, while a business may notice a delivery window, a port gate or a flight schedule. Those experiences are connected even when the decision makers sit in different offices. The leaders listed here are useful to watch because their roles reveal where the system is being planned, delivered, operated and represented. That wider view is more valuable than a simple roll call of titles. It gives teams a way to talk about shared outcomes, handovers between organisations and the practical trust required to keep a network moving.

Why transport leadership matters in Brisbane

Transport leadership in Brisbane has become more connected. A road decision can affect a bus journey. A rail project can change where people choose to live and work. An airport or port decision can shape the movement of people, food, materials and finished goods across the region. The leadership challenge is therefore not simply to deliver one asset. It is to make choices that work across a network, explain those choices clearly and keep improving the experience for the people who rely on it.

That is why this list deliberately crosses public transport, rail, aviation, freight, ports and city planning. A transport system is experienced as one connected system even when the organisations behind it have different responsibilities, budgets and measures of success. The strongest leadership conversations happen where those boundaries are acknowledged and then worked through in a practical way.

1. Catherine Baxter

Group Executive, Public Transport Services at Brisbane City Council

Catherine Baxter serves as Group Executive, Public Transport Services at Brisbane City Council. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it leads the council group responsible for public transport services. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Catherine Baxter's current position is that the council describes the group as covering bus, metro, ferry and e-mobility services. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

2. Tania Orr

Group Executive, City Planning and Economic Development Services at Brisbane City Council

Tania Orr serves as Group Executive, City Planning and Economic Development Services at Brisbane City Council. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it brings transport planning and city development into the same senior council portfolio. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Tania Orr's current position is that the council biography records previous work across transport planning, operations and infrastructure. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

3. Sally Stannard

Director-General at Department of Transport and Main Roads

Sally Stannard serves as Director-General at Department of Transport and Main Roads. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it holds the senior departmental role responsible for Queensland's transport and main roads system. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Sally Stannard's current position is that the department lists her as Director-General and records her appointment in December 2023. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

4. Julie Mitchell

Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure Management and Delivery at Department of Transport and Main Roads

Julie Mitchell serves as Deputy Director-General, Infrastructure Management and Delivery at Department of Transport and Main Roads. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it sits close to the work of operating, maintaining, building and optimising the state-controlled network. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Julie Mitchell's current position is that the organisational structure places Infrastructure Management and Delivery under her leadership. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

5. Katarzyna Stapleton

Chief Executive Officer at Queensland Rail

Katarzyna Stapleton serves as Chief Executive Officer at Queensland Rail. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it leads the railway organisation that keeps the South East Queensland network connected to the wider state system. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Katarzyna Stapleton's current position is that Queensland Rail lists her as CEO and records her substantive appointment in April 2022. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

6. Neil Backer

Head of South East Queensland at Queensland Rail

Neil Backer serves as Head of South East Queensland at Queensland Rail. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it has a direct operating remit across the South East Queensland rail network. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Neil Backer's current position is that Queensland Rail describes the role as responsible for strategic and operational management of the network. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

7. Graeme Newton

Chief Executive Officer at Cross River Rail Delivery Authority

Graeme Newton serves as Chief Executive Officer at Cross River Rail Delivery Authority. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it leads the authority delivering a project designed to add capacity and reliability to the South East Queensland rail system. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Graeme Newton's current position is that the authority has listed him as CEO since 2017. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

8. Gert-Jan de Graaff

Chief Executive Officer at Brisbane Airport Corporation

Gert-Jan de Graaff serves as Chief Executive Officer at Brisbane Airport Corporation. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it leads the airport that connects Brisbane to national and international passenger and freight movements. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Gert-Jan de Graaff's current position is that Brisbane Airport lists him as CEO and records his appointment in June 2018. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

9. Ryan Both

Executive General Manager, Aviation at Brisbane Airport Corporation

Ryan Both serves as Executive General Manager, Aviation at Brisbane Airport Corporation. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it sits close to the operational and commercial decisions that shape aviation at Brisbane Airport. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Ryan Both's current position is that the airport lists him as responsible for aviation operations and commercial activity. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

10. Neil Stephens

Chief Executive Officer at Port of Brisbane

Neil Stephens serves as Chief Executive Officer at Port of Brisbane. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it leads the port gateway that connects Brisbane with freight, trade and supply-chain movement. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Neil Stephens's current position is that Port of Brisbane lists him as CEO and records his appointment in March 2022. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

11. Dave Emerson

Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Virgin Australia Group

Dave Emerson serves as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Virgin Australia Group. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it leads a major Australian airline with a strong Brisbane operating base and national network. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Dave Emerson's current position is that Virgin Australia records his appointment as CEO and Managing Director in March 2025. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

12. Gary Mahon

Chief Executive Officer at Queensland Trucking Association

Gary Mahon serves as Chief Executive Officer at Queensland Trucking Association. That role connects directly with the way Brisbane plans, operates or experiences transport because it represents the road-freight sector that keeps goods moving through and beyond Brisbane. It is the kind of seat where decisions need to be clear enough for teams to act on and broad enough to work across a changing city. For Brisbane, that combination matters because transport is never only about one vehicle, one route or one construction site.

A useful detail about Gary Mahon's current position is that the association lists him as Chief Executive Officer on its current team page. That gives the role a distinctive place in the wider system. It shows how transport leadership can sit in policy, delivery, operations, infrastructure, customer experience or industry representation while still affecting the same daily question: can people and goods move safely, reliably and efficiently? That is the lens through which this entry is included. It also invites a closer look at how different parts of the network depend on one another.

Frequently asked questions

Who is included in this Brisbane transport leaders list?

The list includes current leaders from Brisbane City Council, the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland Rail, Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, Brisbane Airport Corporation, Port of Brisbane, Virgin Australia Group and the Queensland Trucking Association.

Is this a ranking?

No. It is a curated list of leaders with a clear and current connection to Brisbane's transport system. The people work in different organisations and have different responsibilities, so a ranked order would suggest a comparison the evidence does not support.

Why include leaders from outside government?

People experience transport through a connected network. Airlines, ports, freight operators and industry bodies all help determine how Brisbane connects to the rest of Australia and the world.

How can I keep the list current?

Use the official leadership pages linked in the supporting research files and recheck roles before using the list for outreach, tagging or publication. Leadership roles can change, and current evidence matters.

Conclusion

The people in this list occupy different seats, but their work meets in the same place: Brisbane's ability to move. That makes transport leadership a useful reminder that large systems are built through connected decisions, not isolated acts of authority. The leaders who help shape the next stage of Brisbane's transport story will need to keep the long view, make practical trade-offs and bring people with them.

Related reading

For a practical look at how leaders can divide work around natural strengths, read the Working Genius FAQ. For a broader guide to choosing leadership support, read 50 Keys to Hiring a Strategy Leadership Consultant. For team alignment and facilitation support, visit Team Offsite Facilitation.

A practical next step

If your leadership team is working through a transport, infrastructure or growth challenge, start by naming the decision that needs to become clearer and the people who need to help carry it. I help leaders turn complex discussions into practical work their teams can use. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.

About the author

Jonno White is a Brisbane-based leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, and the author of Step Up or Step Out. He works with schools, corporates and nonprofits around the world. To enquire about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session, email jonno@consultclarity.org.